MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is a ready-to-use grout that dries harder than cement-based grout. The residue that is left behind, when not properly removed during the grouting process, can appear as a clear film that can become tacky. This residue can easily be removed using MAPEI’s UltraCare Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner.
When it comes to removing tough epoxy grout haze, time is of the essence. The longer that epoxy grout haze sits on the tile, the longer it takes to remove. Use UltraCare Epoxy Grout Haze Remover to remove epoxy grout haze safely and effectively. For epoxy grout haze that Has been on the surface for more than seven days, use UltraCare Heavy-Duty Sealer & Coating Stripper.
Replacing grout is certainly one way to fix the problem. Instead, use UltraCare Grout Refresh, a water-based colorant and sealer that is available in MAPEI’s full palette of grout colors. UltraCare Grout Refresh is made for refreshing the look of old, discolored grout or completely changing the color of the existing grout. Don’t replace it, Grout Refresh it! To learn more, watch the video below.
UltraCare Grout Maximizer is not a sealer. It is a polymer additive that is formulated specifically for use in standard cement-based grout mixtures to fortify the grout and help resist staining that is caused by water-borne contaminants. To learn more about MAPEI sealers, watch the video below.
Anyone with basic painting skills can use UltraCare Grout Refresh. The UltraCare Grout Refresh bottle has a cone-shaped applicator tip that easily directs the sealant to the grout joint. All it takes is a toothbrush or similar nylon brush to spread UltraCare Grout Refresh over the grout, and a bucket of clean water and a clean, damp sponge to remove the excess. To learn more, watch the video below.
Cement-based grouts have been around for decades and are very reliable, but are also the most porous and stain-susceptible of all the grouts. Instead of using just plain water to mix the grout, use MAPEI’s UltraCare Grout Maximizer, a water-based additive for grout that fortifies the flexibility and stain resistance of the grout.
There are several types of cleaners that are used for a variety of different reasons. Alkaline cleaners (high pH) – such as UltraCare Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner – is best used to “deep clean” the surface and remove ground-in dirt, cooking oils, etc. These cleaners are safe for occasional use on all natural stone, tile and grout, but are not recommended for regular use. Watch the video below.
MAPEI recommends using UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer or UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer on all cement-based grouts, porous natural stone, clay tile, cement-based tile, quarry tile, brick and polished porcelain tile. UltraCare Penetrating SB Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer leaves the surface unchanged in appearance, is breathable, and does not peel, flake or darken the tile or grout. Once fully cured, UltraCare Penetrating SB Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer helps protect against the absorption of both water and oil-based contaminants, making the surface easier to clean and maintain.
Both sealers and grout releases protect the tile surface from staining that is caused by grouting. The difference is, a grout release, such as UltraCare Grout Release, is designed to be washed away during the grouting process, leaving no protection behind, while a sealer, such as UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer or UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer, stays behind, providing continued protection after grouting. For more details, click here.
It used to be said that solvent-based products were more durable and longer lasting than water-based products. In today’s world, we have water-based technology that is equal to, or better than, solvent-based products. Because of their unique molecular construction, MAPEI’s UltraCare Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer and UltraCare Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer are formulated for use on both porous and dense surfaces. To learn more, watch the video below.